Print DiagnosisTo diagnose popliteal artery aneurysm, a health care professional usually does a physical exam and checks the legs for: Swelling. Tenderness. Changes in skin color or temperature on the lower leg and behind the knee. You may be asked questions about your medical history and health habits, such as smoking. TestsImaging tests can help confirm a diagnosis of popliteal artery aneurysm. Tests may include: Duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to see how blood flows through the arteries and veins. It's a simple and quick way to diagnose popliteal artery aneurysm. For the test, a health care professional gently moves a hand-held ultrasound device on the skin behind and around the knee. CT angiography or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. These tests take detailed images of blood flow in the arteries. Before the images are taken, dye called contrast is injected into a blood vessel. The dye helps the arteries show up more clearly. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your popliteal artery aneurysm-related health concerns Start Here TreatmentTreatment of popliteal artery aneurysm depends on: The size of the aneurysm. The symptoms. Your age and overall health. Treatment may include: Regular health checkups. You'll have frequent checkups and ultrasound tests to check the aneurysm, particularly if the aneurysm is small. Medicines. Aspirin or another blood thinner is usually prescribed for people with popliteal artery aneurysm. Medicines may need to be given through a vein. Blood pressure and cholesterol medicine may be given if you have symptoms of heart disease. Surgery. Open surgery to repair the damaged artery is generally recommended for any sized popliteal artery aneurysm that's causing symptoms. Surgery is usually done for any popliteal artery aneurysm that's 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) or larger. Sometimes, a less invasive procedure called endovascular repair may be done. During this treatment, a stent is placed inside the popliteal artery to hold it open. Request an appointment By Mayo Clinic Staff Popliteal artery aneurysm care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Sept. 26, 2023 Print Living with popliteal artery aneurysm? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart & Blood Health support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Heart & Blood Health Discussions High calcium score: I'm in shock 214 Replies Mon, Nov 04, 2024 chevron-right Important information about statins that I’m going to ask my doc about 190 Replies Mon, Nov 04, 2024 chevron-right High Ferritin Levels: How can I lower my levels? 16 Replies Thu, Oct 31, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Sidawy AN, et al., eds. Lower extremity aneurysms. In: Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 25, 2023. Cameron AM, et al. Femoral and popliteal artery aneurysm. In: Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 25, 2023. Braswell-Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. June 5, 2023. Peripheral arterial aneurysms. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/peripheral-arterial-disorders/peripheral-arterial-aneurysms. Accessed May 25, 2023. Reed AB. Popliteal artery aneurysm. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 25, 2023. van Laarhoven CJHCM, et al. Systematic review of the co-prevalence of arterial aneurysms within the vasculature. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2020.10.002. Naazie I, et al. Open repair versus endovascular repair in the treatment of symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.avsg.2022.06.096. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Popliteal artery aneurysmSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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